Dayton, Ohio – The University of Dayton’s athletic director, Neil Sullivan, recently shared important news with season-ticket holders regarding changes in college athletics, particularly concerning student-athlete compensation and benefits. In an email, Sullivan discussed a preliminary settlement stemming from the House vs. NCAA lawsuit that could significantly impact UD basketball programs.
According to Sullivan, the settlement involves a total of $2.78 billion in back damages for former student-athletes, with funds to be distributed over the next ten years. Going forward, NCAA rules will allow colleges to make direct payments to student-athletes, with a cap expected to be around $22-$23 million per school. This cap will be reassessed every few years based on the revenue of Power 5 schools.
Sullivan pointed out that scholarship limits will be lifted across all sports, though roster limits will still apply. He emphasized the ongoing changes in college athletics, noting that the NIL Era (name, image, and likeness) initiated in 2021 has created a new landscape for recruiting and athlete compensation.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Sullivan explained that each school will have a “Pool” of money available for direct payments to athletes. This Pool will initially be capped at $22-$23 million collectively, allowing schools to allocate these funds to various sports as they see fit. The cap is set to increase by approximately $1 million each year after the first year.
Sullivan highlighted the implications of these changes for the Dayton Flyers basketball team, focusing on the need to recruit and retain top talent. He mentioned that players and families now assess market values as part of the recruitment process. As schools compete for athletes, it is crucial for UD to leverage its strengths in fundraising, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, and other revenue sources.
He acknowledged the rising pressures in college sports and the necessity for UD to innovate and adapt to remain competitive. While addressing potential price increases for season tickets and other revenue strategies, Sullivan reiterated the importance of maintaining a well-rounded student-athlete experience across all sports.
As updates continue to unfold, Sullivan reassured supporters that the university is committed to navigating the changing landscape of college athletics with determination and a focus on future opportunities.
